For Erasmo Jorge Gomez of North Bergen, his art is about many things. It’s about exploring a passion he has had since a child. It’s about expressing himself in a way that makes him feel free. It’s also about being at peace with himself.

All of these things come out of the artwork he creates. How many people can say that about anything in life?

Gomez is one of the featured artists at the Pathway to Abstraction exhibit at the Agora Gallery in Manhattan. His original works will be showcased from Dec. 17 through Jan. 9, with the opening reception on Thursday, Dec. 19, from 6 to 8 p.m.

For Gomez, art has been a lifelong interest, beginning when he was only 7 or 8 years old. What made him get into the discipline which can be extremely fulfilling or sometimes disappointing?

“Something came out naturally in me,” he said.

And though he has honed his craft academically, taking courses at the Art Student League in New York and attending the School of Visual Arts in New York and Miami Dade College in Florida, where he studied design and drawing, the majority of his knowledge is self taught.

“My inspiration comes from nature, in my continuing search for the reasons of things,” he says. “Art provides answers for my insatiable search for what I seek to understand, for what I have yet to discover.”

Why pick abstract art instead of something more conventional?

“It is a way of experimenting, which is what I like,” Gomez said. Apparently the gallery agreed in selecting him for the show.

_____________ “Art provides answers for my insatiable search for what I seek to understand, for what I have yet to discover.” – Erasmo Jorge Gomez____________

“The artists whose works appear in Pathway to Abstraction present their individual perspectives in entertaining and energetic pieces whose considerable appeal lies in their ability to shed new light on old mysteries,” said Olga Kubli, gallery assistant, “while leaving new secrets tantalizingly hidden.”

Rave reviews

One review of Gomez’s work raved: “Electrically vibrant primary colors are gracefully challenged by black and white tones, the sophisticated brushwork enlivening the composition with a soulful flourish. Vibrantly mystical textures are elegantly nuanced, eloquently expressing the almost harrowing beauty of life and nature.”

Gomez has been lauded for using ordinary materials such as acrylic paints, and utilizing innovative, universal elements, such as twigs or coffee, to enrich his creations.

Gomez enjoys being an artist because he thinks people “see” and understand what he paints.

“I believe that people feel attracted to the colors and the media that I use,” he said.

But more than anything else, there are specific driving forces behind his work.

He derives satisfaction from “being able to create something that has never existed, and most times gives me and others pleasure.”

Gomez has exhibited before, most recently in 2012 at a solo show at the Willam V. Musto Cultural Center in Union City.

He is counting on this Big Apple appearance to open up his paintings to an even greater audience.

“I hope to be more exposed, and I want as many people as possible to experience my work,” Gomez said.

Agora Gallery & show hours

Agora is a fine art gallery, established in 1984 and located in the heart of New York City’s Chelsea art galleries district. It has showcased artists from around the world, while also providing quality and original art to collectors.

The facility is located at 530 West 25th St., New York City. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday, from 11a.m. to 6 p.m. To see more of Gomez’ work for the event, visit